Reusable pH sensor device and related methods
AssigneeVirbac
InventorRoni Aron Kopelman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for quickly and easily measuring and monitoring the pH of aquatic environments, such as lakes, streams, drinking waters, fisheries, aquariums, pools, hot-tubs, and spas. The current invention includes devices that are reusable and capable of monitoring the pH in a reversible fashion, thereby allowing continuous pH sensing without a need for the user to physically perform pH tests. Operation of the invention involves placing the device into the aquatic environment and optically detecting a color change in the membrane, for example, by looking at the device, when a pH measurement is desired. In addition, the device is both inexpensive and reusable, allowing the user to monitor the pH of various aquatic environment at minimal costs.
Claims38
A reusable device for continuously monitoring the pH of an aquatic environment, the device comprising:
- a) a reusuable sensor membrane comprising a polyamide membrane and an indicator dye immobilized therein, wherein the indicator dye changes color corresponding to a pH of an aqueous solution contacted with the sensor membrane;
- b) a support structure for mechanically supporting the sensor membrane, positioned such that at least one surface of the membrane is contacted with aqueous solution upon immersion of the device in an aquatic environment;
- and
- c) a color reference chart displaying a plurality of colors, wherein each color corresponds to a reference pH value.
A reusable device for continuously monitoring the pH of an aquatic environment, the device comprising:
- a) a reusuable sensor membrane comprising a polyamide membrane and an indicator dye immobilized therein, wherein the indicator dye changes color at a pH of at least 6 and the indicator dye color corresponds to a pH of an aqueous solution contacted with the sensor membrane;
- b) a support structure for mechanically supporting the sensor membrane, positioned such that at least one surface of the membrane is contacted with aqueous solution upon immersion of the device in an aquatic environment;
- and
- c) a light blocking element.
A method for detecting the pH of an aqueous solution, comprising:
- a) providing a reusable device, comprising:
- a sensor membrane comprising a polyamide membrane and an indicator dye immobilized therein, wherein the indicator dye changes color corresponding to a pH of an aqueous solution contacted with the sensor membrane;
- a support structure for mechanically supporting the sensor membrane, positioned such that at least one surface of the membrane is contacted with aqueous solution upon immersion of the device in an aquatic environment;
- and
- a color reference chart displaying a plurality of colors, wherein each color corresponds to a reference pH value;
- b) contacting the sensor membrane with an aqueous solution of a first aqueous environment;
- and
- c) optically comparing the membrane with a color reference chart, thereby detecting the pH of the aqueous solution of the first aqueous environment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.